Movie questions for a Catholic classroom or Youth Group,Zac Efron, Down to Earth

Zac Efron produced a series called "Down to Earth," which discusses a lot of ecological issues and some creative solutions found around the world. It's a palatable way to introduce some of these concepts to older students, as it's not "stuffy." (There are some bleeped out swear words, but the series is rated TV-PG)

Down to Earth can be found on Netflix here https://www.netflix.com/title/80230601 and it is possible to watch with a subscription.

In Series 1, filmed in 2020, the France episode is interesting, because it brings up several ecological issues: mineral content of water, water purification, how access to clean water should be a right and not a privilege. It also takes Zac on a tour to Lourdes, France, which is the site of a major Catholic Marian apparition approved by the Catholic Church. I showed the segment to my class and discussed the ecological issues (which tie into the Catholic Social Justice teaching: Care for Creation and the idea that we are called to be stewards of the environment, because that is one of the tasks assigned to Adam and Eve) and followed up with the spiritual element of their trip to Lourdes, where they discussed how the Church determines whether miracles are valid, the types of miracles which have occurred there, and shows a beautiful, in depth look at the shrine, a prayer grotto, and the doctor assigned to Lourdes. This was a great discussion opportunity in my religion classroom, and would also be appropriate for youth groups, Confirmation classes, RCIA, and college and adult education.

The attached resource is created to be used in Google Classroom. In this resource, you will receive a copy of my Google Forms quiz, which when used in Google Classroom records students' responses. Upon review of their answers, you can open them up in a spreadsheet to see what the general consensus was, or to plan areas of growth. This quiz is 20 questions with free response answers about ecology and spirituality, like "What do you think God is trying to tell us by allowing this miracle to happen here?" and "Would you take someone to Lourdes to be healed? Why or why not?" This is a great chance for a check in on students' spirituality and a reflection on their own level of faith.

All in all, this was a win for the kids and a win for me in my middle school religion classroom. As a former youth minister, DRE, Confirmation Director, RCIA Director, college minister, I would use it in these settings, as well. The questions are suitable for any age.